Roseville's young 'family' steps up against Center, River City in scrimmage

Tim Lloyd/Roseville Press TribuneThree Roseville defenders lock up a Center ball carrier high and low Saturday night at Hanson Field. The Tigers made a goal-line stand during the scrimmage, which also featured River City. Roseville opens the regular season Friday night against Cosumnes Oaks in Elk Grove.

Tim Lloyd/Roseville Press TribuneA Roseville player pounces on a fumble during Saturday night’s scrimmage at Hanson Field. Center, on the field with Roseville in this photo, and River City also took part.

Roseville High School was host to Center and River City on Saturday night at Hanson Field, and Tigers head coach Larry Cunha was happy with the dynamics of the scrimmage.

That included a goal-line stand by Roseville’s defense.

Thirteen of Roseville’s 22 starters on offense and defense are juniors. Only three players are returning seniors: Grant Jansen, Kyle Schwartz and Austin Ash.

“We’re a family,” said junior quarterback Kyle Downie, adding the team needs to “play together as a whole” through more “crisp” moves to improve last season’s 5-6 record.